Seventh Annual 'Pours For Parks' Supports Frankfort Park District

FRANKFORT, IL — The Operation Playground Foundation will host its seventh annual Pours for Parks fundraiser to support the Frankfort Park District. The fundraiser features samplings of craft beer, wine and spirits, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 21, at the Founders Community Center.

Tickets include 10 tastings, and attendees will receive a tasting glass while the supply lasts, according to the park district. There will also be musical entertainment and food available for purchase.

The 21-and-over event will be held indoors and outdoors as permitted by the weather. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Founders Community Center, 140 Oak St.

According to the park district, a number of breweries and businesses are sponsoring and donating products for the event. The addition of wine and spirits will showcase regional businesses and offer non-beer drinkers an option. Local and regional breweries are supporting the event with donations for the tastings including Trail’s Edge Brewing Co., Arrowhead Ales Brewing Company, Brothership Brewing Company, Hailstorm, Hickory Creek Brewing Company, Nik and Ivy Brewing, and Brickstone Brewery. The Wine Thief of Frankfort, ERIS Brewing & Cider House, Fat Rosie's Taco & Tequila Bar, Thornton Distillery Company and Dillinger Vodka will all be offering tastings, the park district said.

Community Outreach Coordinator Julie Sullivan said in a release that “past attendees have enjoyed talking with the representatives from the breweries who will be on-site pouring the tastings. Having the local and regional breweries support the Foundation is an asset and is appreciated by the Foundation and those in attendance at the event.”

Operation Playground Foundation is a nonprofit that provides support and improvements of park facilities and programs for the community of Frankfort.

The funds raised from this year’s event will be invested in facilities within the Frankfort Park District, according to a news release.

“I hope there is enough space for all who are interested in attending this year. Each year attendance has grown and with the variety of offerings it continues to gain interest," Executive Director of the Park District, Gina Hassett, said in a release. "Over the past 7 years, this event has raised over $65,000 to be invested in the parks. The annual event has turned into a way to close out the fall season, many guests enjoy the event and then head to the downtown area for dinner. We are thrilled to have the continued support of the local and regional beverage sponsors and local community monetary sponsors.”

Past projects funded by Operation Playground Foundation include Fort Frankfort Playground, the Frankfort Bark Park, the 3 on 3 Basketball Courts at Main Park, the exercise facility at Michelle Bingham Park, the Judy Herder Memorial Pumptrack, Pickleball Courts at Commissioners Park and many other projects, the park district said.

Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door, of $15 general admission at the door (does not include tastings).